Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Student Athletes Beware: March Madness Gambling Has Serious Consequences
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: March 13, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
Student Athletes joining in on a campus pool for March Madness is harmless fun, right? Don’t bet on it!
The chance to earn a little money through March Madness gambling brackets and betting pools may be enticing and seemingly harmless to student athletes. However, many may not be aware that small “friendly wagers” constitute a violation of sports law and the provisions that govern gambling.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association monitors gambling among student athletes very closely during March Madness, and committing NCAA violations by gambling can reap serious consequences for otherwise stellar student athletes. This includes making bets through a bookmaker, the internet or any other method utilized by organized gambling, or giving information to another individual to make bets.
Athletes should keep in mind that while NCAA laws do not expressly prohibit athletes from filling out the typical team bracket sheet, it does fall into the gambling (and therefore illegal) category when money is paid to enter the pool and prizes of any nominal value are given. The simple rule to remember is that if the contest requires an entry fee and can result in winning a prize, then chances are it is considered to be sports wagering and is prohibited. Entry fees and/or prizes come in many “shapes and sizes” but typically involve something of value in either case. There are many contests that are free to enter but offer a prize. There are also contests that charge a fee, but result in no prize. These are permissible contests that should not jeopardize your eligibility as a NCAA student-athlete.
Those who are found to be in violation of NCAA law can face a number of punishments which may include indefinite suspension from a team or expulsion from school, both of which may jeopardize students from being drafted into professional sports leagues. In addition, players may also be banned from professional sports and, in serious cases, face jail time.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Are Stay Interviews the Key to Retaining Top Talent?
Retaining top talent continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing employers today. Even in an employer’s market, the loss of a key employee can disrupt operations and result in significant costs. While compensation plays a role, long-term retention often depends on workplace culture, communication, and employee engagement. One increasingly popular strategy for improving […]
Author: Angela A. Turiano
Why Secured Transactions Are Important
Secured transactions form the backbone of a wide range of business dealings, including business loans, mortgages, and inventory financing. Because the stakes are often high and relatively minor oversights can have drastic consequences, lenders and borrowers should thoroughly understand how to form an enforceable security agreement that protects their legal rights. What Is a Secured […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Don’t Cash a “Paid in Full” Check Without Understanding the Legal Implications
Cashing a check marked “paid in full” can be a risky endeavor, particularly if you don’t fully understanding the legal implications. If you are owed more than the amount of the check you accept and deposit, you may waive your right to collect the full disputed amount. That is why you should consider either rejecting […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Changes to Qualified Small Business Stock Will Benefit Startup Founders and Investors
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA) significantly impacts federal taxes, credits, and deductions. A key change relating to Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) allows greater tax-free gains for investments in startups and other qualifying small businesses. Company founders and other investors should understand how the enhanced tax strategy works or risk missing […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Corporate Consolidation and Antitrust Issues in Mergers
Corporate consolidation involves two or more businesses merging to become a single larger entity. The result is often a stronger and more competitive company that can better navigate today’s competitive marketplace. What Is Corporate Consolidation? Corporate consolidation closely resembles a basic merger transaction. The primary difference is that a consolidation creates an entirely new business […]
Author: Dan Brecher
What is Business Law and Why Is it Important?
Business law plays a critical role in nearly every aspect of running a successful enterprise, from negotiating a commercial lease to drafting employee policies to fulfilling corporate disclosure obligations. Understanding what is business law and your legal obligations can help your business run smoothly and build productive relationships with clients, business partners, regulators, and others. […]
Author: Dan Brecher
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.